Author: livingthegiving

You can never really live anyone else’s life, not even your child’s. The influence you exert is through your own life, and what you’ve become yourself. – Eleanor Roosevelt

By Definition:

Influence in medieval Latin was influentia, meaning ‘inflow’. Further study gets into defining fluency and its origin. Let’s suffice to say that the word influence describes an effectual capacity or power on/over something or someone.

Before trying to define it I just thought of influence as either positive or negative. Because it is something that flows back and forth, we must be prudent in how we influence others and how we let others influence us.

Asking For Directions

If we get off track, it is imperative that we stop, check our course and get our bearings. Not only can we spare ourselves forty years of wandering but we can also spare those that we influence. Solution 1: Ask God for directions

Giving Good Directions

Literally speaking, direct others along the same route you would soberly and conscientiously map out for yourself. It is easy to forget how the direction we are headed and the vehicle we use to get there, can profoundly impact others. Solution 2: Ask God for directions

“Success is always dangerous, and we need to be alert and avoid becoming the victims of our own success. Will we influence the world for Christ, or will the world influence us? ” – Billy Graham

“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.” – Soren Kierkegaard

“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently.” “It’s surprising how hard we’ll work when the work is done just for ourselves.” – Bill Watterson

Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this–not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Daydreamer or Visionary?

It’s not enough to merely daydream about “stuff you’d really like to do.” You need to have a determined goal — a Vision. A vision won’t take shape until you have a plan, and without a plan, there can be no course of action. Without action there is no change. Without change no growth…

Begin where you are – With what you have

God will multiply when you begin where you are, with what you have. In the sixth chapter of the Book of Mark, we find Jesus, feeding thousands of people who were hungry; both in body and in spirit. The miracle of the loaves and fishes reminds us:

God always has a plan.

God knows what we need.

God is compassionate.

God provides resources.

God gives us opportunities for excellence.

The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark. -Michelangelo

Make a sandwich!

The key to beginning is faith. Step out of your comfort zone!The key to increase is diligence and persistence. Diligence is a focussed pursuit and persistence is a resolute determination towards purpose, regardless of difficulty. Purpose is our why.

Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed. – Mark 6:41-44

Many are the plans in the mind of a man,but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. – Proverbs 19:21

and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills – Exodus 1:3

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:14-16

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” But Jesus said, “You feed them.”

“With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!”

“How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.”

Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed. – Mark 6:30-44

There’s a saying, I’m running on empty…

That never made sense to me. Yet, I still would throw it out into the atmosphere like it would somehow give me more clarity about what I had to do next. Many of us find ourselves with too much day and not enough time. Just how many activities would it take to empty my tank?

Are you running to, for, or from?

I would be hard pressed to not encounter someone hurrying, literally, everywhere I go. In fact, just today I found myself hurrying through several tasks after experiencing unexpected delays. We hurry through breakfast, signing report cards, dropping our kids at school, driving to work, getting groceries, stopping for gas, and even through family time at the end of the day. We hurry through every task so we can squeeze more “stuff” into our day.

Run with Intent

A good run requires a good rest. If we are going to run well we need to rest well. God did not create us to be busy. He created us to flourish and grow and share and love and fellowship with Him and with one another. Our run must first be to the throne of God where we can lay down our burdens.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Jesus

If we are to run the good race and persevere, we need to run with intent. We need to Run the Race of Faith We look forward to the finish line but our race is practiced, paced, persistent, and unhurried.

The Rest Improves the Run

Rest with Intent

Good rest improves the run. Our rest must be as intentional as our run. Just as there are seasons of growth in Spring and Summer and seasons of rest in Fall and Winter, we must recognize the importance of the Rest that prepares us for our Run.

I am guilty of running without purpose and then collapsing without resting. But God has been speaking to me about that, and I thought I would share it with you. ❤

Thank you for stopping by. Do you know how important you are? You have the potential to change the world! You are creative, imaginative, and engaging. Yes, YOU! Envision the exponential of your potential with two of you, ten of you, hundreds of you, and thousands of you! Sowing good seed into one another is powerful.

This little corner of the blog universe will provide the inspiration, information, and collaboration we all need to grow purposefully.

Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or a smoothie…there is much to share. Please visit often, we’ll keep the light on.

Passion that begins with purpose and cultivates encouragement will bear fruit and grow. -CKaeha

There is something beyond epic about trusting God with your won’t, your can’t, and your haven’t!

God shows up when you won’t

Ever plan an event, a gift, or celebration, that you put your whole heart into? – Painstakingly crafting every detail? – Smiling while you worked and created? – Eagerly awaiting the moment to arrive? – Then your guest refuses to show up? …God doesn’t mope. He keeps calling!

God shows up when you can’t

Ever pray all night for someone you love because they are battling a wasteland of fear, doubt, despair, and worry, without heavenly weapons? They can’t see the promise, nor God’s Hand extended…God never leaves you!

God shows up when you haven’t

Ever keep the porch light on and dinner warm, even though you have been repeatedly stood up? …God always keeps His light on!

God’s Love For You Is Relentless! He makes everything new. He gives you a crown of beauty for ashes. When you pass through the waters He will be with you. When you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned. He is doing a new thing, do you not see it? He will make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Call to Him and He will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. His thoughts and ways are Heavenly and higher than anything you can imagine. Do not be afraid, God is with you. His plans for YOU are for good, to give you a hope and a future. He will listen to you when you call on Him and pray to Him.

I know some mountains seem too high to climb and some valleys seem to dark too navigate, but God is a God of miracles. He levels the mountains and breaks down barriers that are between you and His Best for you!

For with God nothing shall be impossible

– Luke 1:37

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Ever notice how we are always waiting on something?

Waiting can be annoying. Waiting can be painful. Sometimes, waiting is an excuse! We wait in line to order our coffee, or food. We wait for our order to be filled. We might be waiting inside the lobby or we might be in the drive-thru, but either way, we are waiting.

What about those times when our self-doubt causes us to wait? Like: Wait until we feel more confident. Wait until God gives us another sign. Wait until the timing is perfect.

The only timing that is perfect is God’s timing.

Stepping out in faith will never ever be in our earthly view of perfect timing. It requires a deep and intimate relationship with God; praying and reading His Word. Trusting God is tough 24/7. Just remember, God delights in us and He gets the glory when He works miracles through us and equips those He has called.

Fear of failure is crippling. God wants to get up and walk. So, what are you waiting for?

Lei Résumé:

Its objective

Its origin

Leis were once made of hair, feathers, shells, bone, leaves, vines, flowers and even teeth. Materials used were associated to certain cultural beliefs and superstitions. Maile (leafy fragrant vine), associated with a spiritual connection to the forest, was and still is a highly favored lei material, dating back to 750 A.D. when the Hawaiian Islands were first settled.

Its growth

Seeds, leaves , vines, kukui, feathers ,and flowerslike Ilima and Pikake, are still used to create magnificent garlands. The flowers from the hala fruit are connected to love and desire. In addition to the traditional style, many leis are now comprised of candy, money and various textiles like fur and specialized yarns. A symphony of techniques from the past and mixed with current design, make up the crafting of a lei. There still exists an etiquette in receiving a lei: do not refuse the gesture (unless you are highly allergic to the material).

Its impact

The lei has never lost its symbolic character. It has however, grown in its attributes and skill set to bring cheer to the giver and receiver. Each year on May 1st, Hawaii celebrates Lei Day to commemorate the culture, history and symbolic nature of the lei. It is globally recognized as a tangible symbol of the versatile and comprehensive qualities of Aloha

Orchid lei

Lei Legacy

The lei, as a symbol and gift of Aloha, is used in countless capacities, from welcoming new arrivals, to celebrating a wedding, graduation, promotion, birthday, reunions, or even paying respect to a passing loved one. Here are the attributes that will never go out of style:

Welcoming and Encouraging

Soothing and Gentle

Beautiful and Fragrant

Delightful and Positive

Globally recognized

Doesn’t discriminate

Author’s personal note:

In 2005 I launched a journey of encouragement, love, kindness, and hospitality…sharing the “Gifts of Aloha” is still my tagline. I began designing and creating permanent leis, each labeled with a message of encouragement. In 2017 I will return to that quest. All in God’s timing! Check back or follow so you are notified when I post pictures of them and perhaps I will be inspired to post some how-to videos!

Be sure and check out this great YouTube Video entitled, “Making a Maile Lei”, by user harley anna. The tutorial well done and music is wonderful:

#1 Sewing Hope

This article is sure to inspire…

This article will appeal to all ages, genders, and ethnicity, because it deals with kindness, giving, caring. It’s a true story of a 12 year old boy, named Campbell that sews bears for sick children.

What is so inspiring?

Campbell learned that stress makes cancer stronger, so he wanted to make a bear that could help relieve stress and bring a smile to sick children. When his dad contracted cancer, Campbell gave his dad a “magic” bear. His dad is still cancer free.

I can’t help but wonder…

Could Campbell inspire children and adults to do the same?

Would children and adults find joy in helping others?

Could kindness like this, become a trend?

Could kindness, collaboration, and love beat cancer?

My Response

I’m inspired by this young man and am very pleased that Mashable featured his story of giving and caring!

#2 A Circle of Gratitude

This article is sure to inspire…

The video and article is more than just sharing, caring, and connections. It speaks to anyone and everyone that longs to be noticed, or has a loved one that has talents and gifts to share with the world.

It is a short story about growing through connecting with compassionate people that delight in the success of others.

What is so inspiring?

A gifted young man named Andrew, through loving and caring friends and family, helped birth a specialized school named Exceptional Minds. The school was created by an animation director whose life was changed and enriched by Andrew. Young adults with autism learn about visual effects, animation, and employment in the entertainment industry. Caring and sharing produces a domino effect.

I can’t help but wonder…

How to offer this program on every campus?

What other fields of interest might be offered?

How I might help to impact others?

My Response

Technically speaking, autism in itself is not addressed, however, recognizing that everyone has a talent worth nurturing and sharing, is!

#3 Here’s what happens when grandparents learn to use Snapchat

This article is sure to inspire…

This lighthearted article will likely entertain a majority of grandparents, parents, and grandkids old enough to use Snapchat. It might inspire others to give it a try.

What is so inspiring?

The article explains that DoSomething.org joined forces with Mentor Up for a campaign called Grandparents Get Wired which taught seniors how to use smart phones to prevent isolation by staying connected with their families. Their younger family members were coached on how to teach and encourage grandparents to use social media apps such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and even how to take selfies.

I can’t help but wonder know…

Some grandparents use Snapchat likely do it at the request of their grandkids

Grandkids that talked their grandparents into using Snapchat regret it after they get endless filtered snaps

My Response

Connecting with younger family members using unlikely media can be fun or awkward. But for sure, there is never a dull moment!

Everyone has inside them a piece of good news. The good news is you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is. -Anne Frank

Who doesn’t love puppies and ice cream?

We all have amazing potential

Can anyone say puppy or ice cream without smiling? How about stringing those together such as, the adorable puppy loves sharing my ice cream. Those are the kind of words, and word strings, that easily create a pleasant atmosphere in one’s mind. Words are very powerful and depending on the words we choose, can either encourage or discourage.

Why should I encourage?

Encourage is described as a verb to stimulate spiritually. Its many synonyms include: applaud, brighten, cheer, comfort, console, embolden, energize, enliven, excite, exhilarate, fortify, gladden, praise, reassure, refresh, restore, revitalize, and strengthen. Our vocabulary is rich with words that can trigger a smile or joyful thought. Imagine what an immediate change there could be if everyone spoke kindness. Here are simple and very basic ways to incorporate encouragement in your daily routine (remember to smile):

Say thank you, to the grocery clerk

Say good morning, to your co-workers

Greet as you hold open someone’s door

But I am often discouraged!

Discourage is defined:to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit. Words of discouragement break down both parties in an exchange. Whether it is texted, published, sung, or spoken; discouragement destroys. It is like a cancer to the giver and receiver. Encouraging others lifts your spirits. My personal go-to is the bible, and I read the promises that belong to all His Creation.

Here is a very interesting 94 second video that briefly explains a fascinating scientific discovery about how words affect a water molecule!

Try it, you’ll like it!

Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason a water molecule responds positively. We each possess the power to encourage rather than discourage. When given a choice to build up or tear down, it is beneficial to both the speaker and the hearer, to speak in a way that is encouraging. Look for ways to speak words of encouragement every day of the year, everywhere you go, because so many in this world are hurting. Who knows, you might end up with a puppy or an ice cream!